Abstract

Ghost cells have been a topic of controversy since a long time. The appearance of these cells in
different lesions has given it varying terms. In lesions like that of Calcifying cystic odontogenic
tumor (CCOT), these cells have been termed as ‘Ghost cells’ whereas similar descriptive cells
have been called shadow/translucent cells in non‑odontogenic lesions like Craniopharyngiomas
of the pituitary gland and Pilomatricomas of skin. Controversy arises because of the fact that
there are varying opinions and incomplete knowledge about their origin, nature, significance and
relation in different neoplasms. Irrespective of the origin, these cells are seen in odontogenic and
non‑odontogenic neoplasms, which probably direct us towards a missing link between these differing
neoplasms. This article attempts to present a review on the concepts around these peculiar cells
and shed some light on these ghosts that are still in dark.